Elon Musk is no stranger to headlines, but his latest offer of free Starlink internet to Hurricane Helene victims has raised a lot of questions.
Although SpaceX initially announced it would waive the $120 monthly subscription fee for the first month in affected areas, there is an important caveat: victims will still have to purchase Starlink hardware, which costs between $300 and $400, including taxes and shipping. These additional costs feel like a blow to people already dealing with the devastation of the hurricane.
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The reaction on the spot was a mix of gratitude and frustration. Reports from The Register highlighted the experience of a North Carolina resident, Kinney Baughman, who described the offer as a “bait and switch.”
Besides the costs, there is also the matter of timing. Even if someone can scrape together the money for the hardware, delivery could take two to three weeks. By then, regular internet may already be operational again, leaving many wondering whether the purchase was necessary. After all, spending $400 on equipment that arrives after you’ve solved your connectivity issues feels like pouring salt on the wound.
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Then there is the power problem. Many areas hardest hit by the hurricane are still without electricity, rendering a satellite dish useless until power is restored. It’s not just about the money; the logistics of it all don’t seem to work well.
Critics are quick to point out that Elon Musk, whose fortune is estimated at $260 billion according to Bloomberg, could have offered a more direct, practical solution. Instead, as some have argued, this offer looks suspiciously like a marketing campaign disguised as charity.
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And the controversy doesn’t stop there. Musk has recently come under criticism for his eyebrow-raising political donations. Reports indicate he has contributed tens of millions of dollars to far-right causes, including America First Legal, a group linked to former Trump adviser Stephen Miller.
Still, the Starlink service is a game-changer for some. Satellite internet can be a lifeline in remote areas where infrastructure recovery is slow. It’s easy to see the appeal: connecting to emergency services, contacting family, or getting reliable updates can be worth the upfront cost, even if it stings a bit.
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This article Elon Musk’s $260 billion empire will now charge Helene victims $400 for internet – are we seeing exploitation at its worst? originally appeared on Benzinga.com
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